Overview

Known for its vibrant singing tradition, the small Baltic nation of Latvia has held national song and dance festivals since the late 19th century. These festivals are still going strong today, with tens of thousands of singers and dancers performing in unison. The festival tradition carried over to America on a smaller scale in the 1950s as Latvian refugees arrived and worked to preserve and celebrate their culture. Taking place roughly every five years, the Latvian-American Song and Dance Festival moves from city to city. This summer it will return to the East Coast for the first time in over three decades, bringing four days of concerts, exhibitions, and parties to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and surrounding neighborhoods. Join the Latvians pouring in from across the globe to celebrate quick-hopping polkas, elaborate choral arrangements, sacred music, chamber music, and festive nightlife. All are welcome!